U.S. patent number 10,819,380 [Application Number 16/031,928] was granted by the patent office on 2020-10-27 for cover of portable terminal and electronic device including the same.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. The grantee listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sungchul Kim, Jonghyuk Lee, Donghwan Shim.
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00000.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00001.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00002.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00003.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00004.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00005.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00006.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00007.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00008.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00009.png)
![](/patent/grant/10819380/US10819380-20201027-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent |
10,819,380 |
Kim , et al. |
October 27, 2020 |
Cover of portable terminal and electronic device including the
same
Abstract
Provided is a portable terminal cover. The portable terminal
cover includes a plurality of transparent side surfaces configured
to cover a plurality of side surface display parts of a portable
terminal and a front surface configured to cover a top surface
display part of the portable terminal and connected to at least one
side surface of the side surfaces and thereby to confirm an image
provided on the side surface display parts while protecting the
side surface display parts of the portable terminal.
Inventors: |
Kim; Sungchul (Seongnam-si,
KR), Lee; Jonghyuk (Seoul, KR), Shim;
Donghwan (Hwaseong-si, KR) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-Si, Gyeonggi-Do |
N/A |
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
(KR)
|
Family
ID: |
1000005144594 |
Appl.
No.: |
16/031,928 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2018 |
Prior Publication Data
|
|
|
|
Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20190074859 A1 |
Mar 7, 2019 |
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Sep 5, 2017 [KR] |
|
|
10-2017-0113527 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
1/1684 (20130101); H04M 1/0266 (20130101); A45C
11/00 (20130101); H04M 1/0252 (20130101); G06F
1/1656 (20130101); H04B 1/3888 (20130101); G06F
2200/1633 (20130101); A45C 2011/002 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A45C
11/00 (20060101); H04M 1/02 (20060101); G06F
1/16 (20060101); H04B 1/3888 (20150101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2001358814 |
|
Dec 2001 |
|
JP |
|
10-2016-0000110 |
|
Jan 2016 |
|
KR |
|
10-1620780 |
|
May 2016 |
|
KR |
|
10-1620781 |
|
May 2016 |
|
KR |
|
10-1624161 |
|
May 2016 |
|
KR |
|
WO-2017148740 |
|
Sep 2017 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
EPO Office Action Report, Application No. 18190133.1, dated Jun.
29, 2020, 7 pages. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Taylor; Nathan S
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Innovation Counsel LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A portable terminal cover consisting of: a front surface; four
transparent side surfaces spaced apart from each other and
extending from edges of the front surface, respectively; and an
insertion space defined by the front surface and the four
transparent side surfaces, wherein the front surface is configured
to cover a top surface display part of a portable terminal through
which images are displayed, wherein the four transparent side
surfaces are configured to cover four side surface display parts of
the portable terminal through which images are displayed and extend
from edges of the top surface display part, respectively, wherein
the portable terminal is configured to be inserted into the
insertion space, and wherein the front surface and the four
transparent side surfaces are permanently affixed to each other not
to move and formed in a single body using a same transparent
material.
2. The portable terminal cover of claim 1, wherein a bottom surface
of the portable terminal is opened to be exposed.
3. A portable terminal cover consisting of: a front surface; four
transparent side surfaces spaced apart from each other and
extending from edges of the front surface, respectively; and an
insertion space defined by the front surface and the four
transparent side surfaces, wherein the front surface covers a main
display surface of a portable terminal configured to provide an
image in a first direction, wherein the four transparent side
surfaces cover four sub display surfaces of the portable terminal
configured to provide an image in a direction different from the
first direction and extend from edges of the main display surface,
respectively, wherein the portable terminal is configured to be
inserted into the insertion space, and wherein the front surface
and the four side surfaces are affixed to each other and formed in
a single body using a same transparent material.
4. An electronic device comprising: a portable terminal comprising
a top surface display part through which images are displayed and
four side surface display parts through which images are displayed
and extending from edges of the top surface display part,
respectively; and a portable terminal cover; wherein the portable
terminal cover consisting of: a front surface, four transparent
side surfaces spaced apart from each other and extending from edges
of the front surface, respectively, and an insertion space defined
by the front surface and the four transparent side surfaces,
wherein the front surface covers the top surface display part and
the four transparent side surfaces cover the four side surface
display parts, respectively, wherein the portable terminal is
configured to be inserted into the insertion space, and wherein the
front surface and the four transparent side surfaces are affixed to
each other and formed in a single body using a same transparent
material.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein a display surface of
each of the four side surface display parts is not parallel to a
display surface of the top surface display part.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority under
35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 of Korean Patent Application No.
10-2017-0113527, filed on Sep. 5, 2017, the entire contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
The present disclosure herein relates to a cover of a portable
terminal and an electronic device including the same, and more
particularly, to a protection cover for a portable terminal
including a plurality of side surface display parts laterally
providing an image and an electronic device including the same.
Various electronic devices are being used to provide image
information. In recent years, development of an electronic device
having a plurality of display parts that provide an image or a
picture in various directions as well as a direction of a top
surface is ongoing.
In case of portable electronic devices, a cover is required to
protect the electronic device against an external stimulation or
impact during use. Particularly, in such an electronic device
including a plurality of display parts, which is being developed in
recent years, it is necessary to develop a protection cover that is
capable of protecting the display parts that are exposed in various
directions while providing an image displayed on the plurality of
display parts to a user as it is.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure provides a cover of a portable terminal,
which protects side surface display parts while transmitting an
image, which is displayed on the side surface display parts of the
portable terminal including the plurality of side surface display
parts, to a user as it is.
The present disclosure also provides an electronic device a
portable terminal, which includes a plurality of side surface
display parts and a portable terminal cover including transparent
side surfaces for covering the side surface display parts and
safely protects the portable terminal against external environments
while easily transmitting an image displayed on the side surface
display parts to a user through the portable terminal cover.
An embodiment of the inventive concept provides a portable terminal
cover including: a plurality of transparent side surfaces
configured to cover a plurality of side surface display parts of a
portable terminal; and a front surface configured to cover a top
surface display part of the portable terminal and connected to at
least one sides of the side surfaces.
The side surfaces may include four side surfaces configured to
cover the side surface display parts, and the four side surfaces
may be respectively connected to four side surfaces of the front
surface and have a shape integrated with the front surface.
The front surface may be transparent.
The portable terminal cover may further include at least one
connection part disposed between the adjacent side surfaces of the
four side surfaces.
The side surfaces, the front surface, and the connection part may
be integrated with each other.
A bottom surface of the portable terminal may be opened to be
exposed and provide an insertion space defined by the four side
surfaces and the front surface.
The portable terminal cover may further include: a rear surface
facing the front surface; and a cover part connected to one side of
the front surface to cover the one side surface of the portable
terminal in a first mode and configured to expose the one side
surface of the portable terminal in a second mode.
The side surfaces may include three side surfaces configured to
cover the side surface display parts, and the three side surfaces
may be disposed between the front surface and the rear surface.
An insertion space defined by the front surface, the rear surface,
and the three side surfaces may be provided.
The front surface, the rear surface, and the three side surfaces
may be integrated with each other and transparent.
The front surface, the rear surface, the three side surfaces, and
the cover part may be integrated with each other, and the front
surface, the three side surfaces, and the cover part may be
transparent, and the rear surface may be opaque.
The portable terminal cover may further include a rear surface
configured to cover a bottom surface of the portable terminal and
connected to the side surfaces, wherein one side surface of the
side surfaces may connect the front surface to the rear
surface.
The front surface may cover the top surface display part in a third
mode, and the front surface may be opened to expose the top surface
display part in a fourth mode.
The side surfaces may include four side surfaces configured to
cover the side surface display parts, and the four side surfaces
may be respectively connected to four sides of the rear surface to
provide an integrated shape.
Each of the four side surfaces may be connected to the rear surface
and bent in a direction of the top surface display part.
The portable terminal cover may further include at least one
connection part disposed between the adjacent side surfaces of the
four side surfaces, wherein the at least one connection part may
include a light emitting device.
The at least one connection part may be connected to the rear
surface, and the rear surface may include a rear light emitting
device.
An insertion space which is defined by the rear surface and the
four side surfaces and in which the portable terminal is seated may
be provided.
The rear surface may further include a coupling part coupled to the
portable terminal.
In an embodiment of the inventive concept, a portable terminal
cover includes: a plurality of transparent side surfaces configured
to cover sub display surfaces of a portable terminal including a
main display surface configured to provide an image in a first
direction and the plurality of sub display surfaces configured to
provide an image in a direction different from the first direction;
and a front surface connected to at least one side surface of the
side surfaces to cover the main display surface.
The sub display surfaces may include four sub display surfaces, and
the side surfaces may include four side surfaces configured to
respectively cover the four sub display surfaces.
In an embodiment of the inventive concept, an electronic device
includes: a portable terminal including a top surface display part
and at least four side surface display parts extending from the top
surface display part; and a portable terminal cover including a
plurality of side surfaces configured to cover the side surface
display parts and transmit an image provided on the side surface
display parts and a front surface connected to at least one side
surface of the side surfaces to cover the top surface display
part.
A display surface of each of the side surface display parts may not
be parallel to a display surface of the top surface display
part.
The portable terminal cover may further include at least one
connection part disposed between the adjacent side surfaces of the
side surfaces, and the connection part may include a light emitting
device, and the light emitting device may be controlled by
receiving a signal provided from the portable terminal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the inventive concept, and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate
exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept and, together with
the description, serve to explain principles of the inventive
concept. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a portable
terminal provided in an electronic device according to an
embodiment;
FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a portable terminal cover
according to an embodiment;
FIG. 3A is a view illustrating a process of providing the portable
terminal cover to the portable terminal according to an
embodiment;
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the electronic device according to
an embodiment;
FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial cross-sectional views taken along line
I-I' and II-II' of FIG. 3B, respectively;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portable terminal cover according
to an embodiment;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to
an embodiment;
FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III'
of FIG. 6;
FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C are perspective views of the portable terminal
cover according to an embodiment;
FIG. 9A is a view illustrating a process of providing the portable
terminal cover to the portable terminal according to an
embodiment;
FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the electronic device according to
an embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV'
of FIG. 9B;
FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 are perspective views of a portable terminal
cover according to an embodiment;
FIG. 14A is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of
FIG. 11;
FIG. 14B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI'
of FIG. 13;
15A and 15B are perspective views of an electronic device according
to an embodiment;
FIG. 16A is a perspective view of a portable terminal cover
according to an embodiment;
FIG. 16B is a side view of a portable terminal of FIG. 16A
according to an embodiment;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portable terminal cover
according to an embodiment; and
FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective views of an electronic device
including the portable terminal cover of FIG. 17.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Since the present disclosure may have diverse modified embodiments,
specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and are
described in the detailed description of the inventive concept.
However, this does not limit the present disclosure within specific
embodiments and it should be understood that the present disclosure
covers all the modifications, equivalents, and replacements within
the idea and technical scope of the present disclosure.
Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. In the
drawings, the dimensions and size of each structure are
exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience
in description and clarity. It will be understood that although the
terms such as `first` and `second` are used herein to describe
various elements, these elements should not be limited by these
terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from
other components. For example, a first element referred to as a
first element in one embodiment can be referred to as a second
element in another embodiment without departing from the scope of
the appended claims. The terms of a singular form may include
plural forms unless referred to the contrary.
The meaning of `include` or `comprise` specifies a property, a
region, a fixed number, a step, a process, an element and/or a
component but does not exclude other properties, regions, fixed
numbers, steps, processes, elements and/or components.
In the specification, it will be understood that when a layer (or
film), a region, or a plate is referred to as being `on` another
layer, region, or plate, it can be directly on the other layer,
region, or plate, or intervening layers, regions, or plates may
also be present. On the contrary to this, it will be understood
that when a layer, a film, a region, or a plate is referred to as
being `under` another layer, region, or plate, it can be directly
under the other layer (or film), region, or plate, or intervening
layers, regions, or plates may also be present. Also, in this
specification, a structure in which a layer, a film, a region, or a
plate is disposed "on" another layer, film, region, or plate may
include a structure in which the layer, film, region, or plate is
disposed on a lower portion as well as an upper portion of another
layer, film, region, or plate.
Hereinafter, a portable terminal cover and an electronic device
according to an embodiment of the inventive concept will be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a portable
terminal MD provided in an electronic device according to an
embodiment. FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of a portable
terminal cover PC-1 provided in the electronic device according to
an embodiment. FIG. 3A is a view illustrating a process of
providing the portable terminal cover PC-1 to the portable terminal
MD according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3B is a perspective view of
the electronic device DD including the portable terminal cover PC-1
of FIGS. 2A and 2B according to an embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 1, the portable terminal MD according to an
embodiment may include at least one side surface display part SDP1,
SDP2, SDP3, or SDP4.
The portable terminal MD may be a stereoscopic display device
including a top surface display part TDP and a plurality of side
surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4. Each of the
plurality of side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4
may be a display surface extending from one side of the top surface
display part TDP. According to an embodiment, the portable terminal
MD may include a main display surface that mainly provides an image
in one direction and a plurality of sub display surfaces that
provide an image in a direction different from the one direction.
The main display surface of the portable terminal MD of FIG. 1
according to an embodiment may be the top surface display part TDP,
and the sub display surfaces may be the side surface display parts
SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4. A main image IM may be displayed on the
top surface display part TDP that is the main display surface, and
sub images SIM may be displayed on the side surface display parts
that are the sub display surfaces.
The side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 may have
display surfaces that are not parallel to a display surface of the
top surface display part TDP. The plurality of side surface display
parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 may be display areas that are bent
from one side of the top surface display part TDP to extend. For
example, the plurality of side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2,
SDP3, and SDP4 may be bent display areas.
The top surface display part TDP may provide an image IM in a
direction of a third directional axis DR3. The top surface display
part TDP may be a plane parallel to a surface that is defined by a
first directional axis DR1 and a second directional axis DR2. That
is, the top surface display part TDP may provide an image IM in the
direction of the third directional axis DR3, which is a normal
direction with respect to the plane defined by the first
directional axis DR1 and the second directional axis DR2.
In FIG. 1, a fourth directional axis DR4 may be a direction that
extends in a direction opposite to the third directional axis DR3.
For example, the direction of the third directional axis DR3 may be
a direction in which the top surface display part TDP provides an
image to the user, and the direction of the fourth directional axis
DR4 may be a direction in which the user faces the top surface
display part TDP. The directions indicated by the first to third
directional axes DR1, DR2, DR3, and DR4 may be a relative concept
and thus changed into directions illustrated in the drawings.
The side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 may
provide images in directions crossing the first directional axis
DR1, the second directional axis DR2, and the third directional
axis DR3. In the portable terminal MD of FIG. 1, the side surface
display part may include four side surface display parts SDP1,
SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4, which respectively provide images in the
directions crossing the first directional axis DR1, the second
directional axis DR2, and the third directional axis DR3. However,
the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For
example, the number of side surface display parts may vary
according to a change in design of the portable terminal MD. That
is, the portable terminal DM according to an embodiment may include
more than four side surface display parts.
The side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 may be
display surfaces extending from the top surface display part TDP,
and the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 and
the top surface display part TDP may be controlled together to
provide one connected image. Also, the side surface display parts
SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 and the top surface display part TDP may
be controlled at the same time to provide images different from
each other.
On the other hand, according to an embodiment, the top surface
display part TDP may provide the main image IM, and the side
surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 may provide the
sub images SIM. For example, a main image may be displayed on the
top surface display part TDP, and simple icons for providing
information may be displayed on the side surface display parts
SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4.
Referring to FIG. 1, the portable terminal MD includes corner parts
CDP. The corner parts CDP are respectively disposed between the
side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4, which are
adjacent to each other. The corner parts CDP may be non-display
areas on which an image is not displayed. For example, when the top
surface display part TDP of the portable terminal MD according to
an embodiment has a rectangular shape, the corner parts CDP may be
disposed at edge portions respectively corresponding to vertexes of
the rectangular shape. The portable terminal MD may also include a
bottom surface BDP.
Although a smartphone is exemplified as the portable terminal MD in
FIG. 1, an embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited
thereto. For example, the portable terminal MD may include a tablet
PC, a navigation device, a game device, a portable media player
(PMP), and the like. However, an embodiment of the inventive
concept is not limited thereto.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are perspective views of the portable terminal
cover according to an embodiment. FIG. 2A is a perspective view
when the portable terminal cover is viewed from an upper side, and
FIG. 2B is a perspective view when the portable terminal cover is
viewed from a lower side. That is, FIG. 2A is a perspective view
when viewed downward in the direction of the fourth directional
axis DR4, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view when viewed upward in
the direction of the third directional axis DR3.
The portable terminal cover PC-1 according to an embodiment may
include a plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and a
front surface FP connected to at least one side surface of the
plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The plurality of
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be portions that cover the
side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 of the
above-described portable terminal. The front surface FP may cover
the top surface display part TDP of the above-described portable
terminal.
The plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be
transparent. In the portable terminal cover PC-1 according to an
embodiment, the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be
transparent that is enough to allow the user to recognize the
images provided on the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3,
and SDP4. The plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may
be provided as transparent members that are enough to transmit the
images provided on the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3,
and SDP4.
In this specification, the term "transparent" may mean a degree to
which an image provided on the portable terminal is confirmed in
the state in which the portable terminal cover is covered. For
example, each of the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may have
transmittance of about 50% or more, particularly, about 70% or
more.
For example, the transparent member may include glass, a polymer
material, or rubber. Particularly, the transparent side surfaces
SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be made of tempered glass, a polymer
material including polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate,
polyethylene terephthalate, or the like, or a rubber material such
as silicone rubber and the like. However, an embodiment of the
inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, various
polymer materials or rubber materials, which are transparent, may
be used as a material for forming the side surfaces of the portable
terminal cover PC-1 according to an embodiment.
Also, the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be protection
members that protect the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2,
SDP3, and SDP4. The side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may
surround the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4
to prevent the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and
SDP4 from being exposed during the use of the portable terminal,
thereby protecting the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3,
and SDP4 against an external impact.
Also, even though the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 cover
the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4, the user
may provide a touch input to the side surface display parts SDP1,
SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4. The information and the images provided
through the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4
may be provided to the user through the side surfaces SP1, SP2,
SP3, and SP4, and the user may indirectly touch the side surface
display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 through the side surfaces
SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 to confirm the information and the images
provided to the portable terminal MD.
In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the portable
terminal cover PC-1 may include the four side surfaces SP1, SP2,
SP3, and SP4, and each of the four side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and
SP4 may be connected to the front surface FP. Each of the four side
surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be connected to a side surface
of the front surface FP. Also, in the portable terminal cover PC-1
according to an embodiment, the four side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3,
and SP4 and the front surface FP may have an integrated shape. In
the portable terminal cover PC-1 according to an embodiment, the
four side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and the front surface FP
may be formed in a single body.
In the portable terminal cover PC-1 according to an embodiment, the
front surface FP and the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may
have an integrated shape and be transparent. For example, the front
surface FP and the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be
integrally formed by using a transparent material.
Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, in the portable terminal cover PC-1
according to an embodiment, the connection part disposed between
the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, which are adjacent to
each other, may be omitted. That is, in the portable terminal cover
PC-1 according to an embodiment, the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3,
and SP4, which are adjacent to each other, may be disposed to be
spaced apart from each other so that a corner part CDP of the
portable terminal MD is exposed to the outside.
The portable terminal cover PC-1 according to an embodiment may
have an insertion space OS1 defined by the four side surfaces SP1,
SP2, SP3, and SP4 and the front surface FP. The insertion space OS1
may be a space that is surrounded by the four side surfaces SP1,
SP2, SP3, and SP4 and the front surface FP. The insertion space OS1
may be a portion in which the portable terminal MD is seated. In
the portable terminal cover PC-1 according to an embodiment, the
portable terminal MD may be inserted into the insertion space OS1.
Here, a bottom surface BDP of the portable terminal MD may not be
covered by the portable terminal cover PC-1, but be exposed. That
is, in the portable terminal cover PC-1 according to an embodiment,
a surface facing the front surface FP may be opened so that the
bottom surface BDP of the portable terminal MD is exposed.
FIG. 3A is a view illustrating a process of providing the portable
terminal cover PC-1 to the portable terminal MD according to an
embodiment. The portable terminal cover PC-1 of FIGS. 2A and 2B
according to an embodiment may cover the top surface display part
TDP and the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4
of the portable terminal MD.
FIG. 3B is a perspective view illustrating an example of an
electronic device DD in which the portable terminal cover PC-1
covers the portable terminal MD according to an embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 3B, an image or picture provided on the portable
terminal MD may be directly confirmed on the electronic device DD
including the portable terminal cover PC-1 due to the portable
terminal cover PC-1 made of the transparent material. That is, in
the portable terminal cover PC-1 according to an embodiment, the
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 as well as the front surface
FP may be made of the transparent material to confirm the image
provided on the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and
SDP4 without opening the cover while protecting the portable
terminal MD against the external impact.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are partial cross-sectional views taken along line
I-I' and II-II' of FIG. 3B, respectively. FIGS. 4A and 4B
illustrate an example of the electronic device DD including the
portable terminal MD and the portable terminal cover PC-1.
Referring to FIG. 4A, in a cross-section defined by the first
directional axis DR1 and the third directional axis DR3, the
portable terminal cover PC-1 according to an embodiment may include
the front surface FP and the side surfaces SP1 and SP2 to cover and
protect the top surface display part TDP and the side surface
display parts SPD1 and SDP2 of the portable terminal MD. Here, the
front surface FP and the side surfaces SP1 and SP2 may be
integrally provided. In the portable terminal cover PC-1, a rear
surface facing the front surface FP may be opened to expose a
bottom surface BDP of the portable terminal MD.
FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line II-II'
of FIG. 3B. Here, the corner part CDP of the portable terminal MD
may not be covered by the portable terminal cover PC-1, but be
exposed.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portable terminal cover according
to another embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an
example of an electronic device DD-1 including a portable terminal
cover PC-1a of FIG. 5 according to another embodiment. FIG. 7 is a
partial cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' of FIG. 6.
In the descriptions with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, contents
duplicated with those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4B
will be omitted, and thus, their differences will be mainly
described.
The portable terminal cover PC-1a of FIG. 5 is different from the
portable terminal cover PC-1 of FIGS. 2A and 2B in that the
portable terminal cover PC-1a further include a connection part EP.
That is, the portable terminal cover PC-1a according to another
embodiment may include four side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, a
front surface FP, and four connection parts EP. In the portable
terminal cover PC-1a according to another embodiment, descriptions
of the four side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and the front
surface FP may be the same as those of the portable terminal cover
PC-1 of FIGS. 2A and 2B according to another embodiment.
For example, the portable terminal cover PC-1a according to another
embodiment may include the four transparent side surfaces SP1, SP2,
SP3, and SP4 and the front surface FP connected to the four side
surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The front surface FP may be
transparent.
The connection parts EP may be disposed between the side surfaces
SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, which are adjacent to each other. In the
portable terminal cover PC-1a according to another embodiment, the
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, the front surface FP, and the
connection parts EP may have an integrated shape.
In the electronic device DD-1 of FIGS. 6 and 7, the connection
parts EP may be portions that cover corner parts CDP of the
portable terminal MD. Each of the connection parts EP may be made
of a transparent material. On the other hand, each of the
connection parts EP according to another embodiment may be made of
an opaque material.
For example, in the portable terminal cover PC-1a according to
another embodiment, each of the connection parts EP may be made of
the same transparent material as each of the side surfaces SP1,
SP2, SP3, and SP4. On the other hand, although each of the
connection parts EP is made of the transparent material, each of
the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be made of a different
material. Particularly, each of the connection parts EP may be made
of a material having higher elasticity than that of each of the
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4.
In the portable terminal cover PC-1a according to another
embodiment, each of the connection parts EP may be made of an
opaque material. For example, each of the connection parts EP may
be made of an elastic material with high impact resistance to
protect the corner part CDP of the portable terminal MD and also
may be made of the opaque material to prevent the corner part CDP
of the portable terminal MD from being exposed.
Although not shown, in the portable terminal cover PC-1 according
to another embodiment, each of the connection parts EP may include
a light emitting device (not shown). The light emitting device (not
shown) may emit light having a single color. For example, the light
emitting device (not shown) may emit light having a color senor
similar to that of an image provided on each of the side surface
display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4, which are adjacent to
each other, to realize the unity of the image provided from the
portable terminal MD. However, the embodiment of the inventive
concept is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of
connection parts EP may emit light having colors different from
each other, or one connection part may emit light having a
plurality of colors.
The light emitted from the light emitting device (not shown) may be
controlled by the portable terminal MD. In the electronic device
DD-1 according to another embodiment, the light emitting device
(not shown) may be electrically connected to the portable terminal
MD.
Also, the light emitting device (not shown) may perform a function
of the display part that provides an image. The light emitting
device (not shown) may provide an image connected to the image
provided on each of the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2,
SDP3, and SDP4 to realize the unity of the image provided on the
side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4. The image
provided from the connection part EP may be an image provided from
the portable terminal MD.
In the electronic device DD-1 according to another embodiment, the
light emitting device (not shown) may further include a control
unit electrically connected to the portable terminal MD and
controlled by the portable terminal MD.
For example, the electronic device DD-1 of FIG. 6 according to
another embodiment may drive the portable terminal in the state in
which the portable terminal cover is provided. That is, the
electronic device DD-1 may control the portable terminal MD through
the touch input even though the portable terminal cover PC-1 is
installed on the portable terminal.
FIGS. 8A to 8C are perspective views of portable terminal covers
PC-2 and PC-2a according to an embodiment. FIG. 9A is a schematic
view illustrating a process of providing the portable terminal
cover PC-2 of FIGS. 8A and 8B according to an embodiment. FIG. 9B
is a perspective view illustrating an example of an electronic
device DD-2 including a portable terminal cover PC-2 of FIG. 8
according to an embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view
taken along line IV-IV' of FIG. 9B.
The portable terminal covers PC-2 and PC-2a of FIGS. 8A to 8C
according to an embodiment may include a plurality of transparent
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, a front surface FP connected
to at least one side surface of the side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3,
and SP4, a rear surface RP facing the front surface FP, and cover
parts CP and CP-1 covering one side surface of the front surface
FP.
Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the portable terminal cover PC-2
according to an embodiment may include transparent first to third
side surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3, a front surface FP connected to
the first to third side surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3, a rear surface
RP facing the front surface FP and connected to the third to third
side surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3, and a cover part CP connected to
one side of the front surface FP.
FIG. 8C illustrates the portable terminal cover PC-2a according to
an embodiment, which includes second to fourth side surfaces SP2,
SP3, and SP4, a front surface FP connected to the second to fourth
side surfaces SP2, SP3, and SP4, and a cover part CP-1 connected to
one side of the front surface FP.
The portable terminal cover PC-2a of FIG. 8C according to an
embodiment may be different from the cover part CP-1 of FIGS. 8A
and 8B in a connection position. The portable terminal cover PC-2
of FIGS. 8A and 8B according to an embodiment may include the cover
part CP at a portion corresponding to a short side of the portable
terminal MD having a rectangular shape on the plane. The portable
terminal cover PC-2a of FIG. 8C according to an embodiment may
include the cover part CP-1 at a portion corresponding to a long
side of the portable terminal MD having a rectangular shape on the
plane.
The portable terminal covers PC-2 and PC-2a of FIGS. 8A to 8C
according to an embodiment may include cover parts CP and CP-1
connected to one side of the front surface FP. In a first mode, the
cover parts CP and CP-1 may cover the insertion space OS2 into
which the portable terminal is inserted. In a second mode, the
cover parts CP and CP-1 may be opened to expose the insertion space
OS2.
FIG. 9A is a schematic view illustrating a process of providing the
portable terminal cover PC-2 to the portable terminal MD according
to an embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 8A to 9A, the portable
terminal MD may be provided in the insertion space OS2 that is
exposed by the opened cover part CP.
In description with reference to the electronic device DD-2 of
FIGS. 9A and 9B according to an embodiment, the cover part CP of
the portable terminal cover PC-2 according to an embodiment may
cover one side surface of the portable terminal MD in the first
mode and expose the one side surface of the portable terminal MD in
the second mode.
Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9A, and 9B, the cover part CP of the
portable terminal cover PC-2 according to an embodiment may cover
the forth side surface display part SDP4 of the side surface
display parts of the portable terminal MD. For example, the
portable terminal MD may be provided in the insertion space OS2 of
the portable terminal cover PC-2, and the first to third side
surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, and SDP3 of the portable terminal
MD may be respectively covered by the first to third side surfaces
SP1, SP2, and SP3 of the portable terminal cover PC-2. The cover
part CP may cover the fourth side surface display part SDP4 of the
portable terminal MD in the first mode and expose the fourth side
surface display part SDP 4 in the second mode.
Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the insertion space OS2 into which
the portable terminal MD is inserted may be defined by the front
surface FP, the rear surface RP, and the three side surfaces SP1,
SP2, and SP3. That is, the insertion space OS2 may be a space that
is surrounded by the front surface FP, the rear surface RP facing
the front surface FP, and the three side surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3
disposed between the front surface FP and the rear surface RP and
respectively connected to three side surfaces of the front surface
FP and the rear surface RP.
The front surface FP, the rear surface RP facing the front surface
FP, and the three side surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3 disposed between
the front surface FP and the rear surface RP may be an integrated
shape. In the portable terminal cover PC-2 according to an
embodiment, the front surface FP, the rear surface RP, and the
three side surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3 may be formed in a single
body. The three side surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3 may extend from the
three sides of the front surface FP and then be connected to the
corresponding three side surfaces of the rear surface RP facing the
front surface FP, respectively.
Also, the cover part CP connected to one side surface of the front
surface FP may be integrated with the front surface FP, the rear
surface RP facing the front surface FP, and the three side surfaces
SP1, SP2, and SP3 disposed between the front surface FP and the
rear surface RP.
Each of the front surface FP and the three side surfaces SP1, SP2,
and SP3 extending from the front surface FP may be made of a
transparent material. Each of the front surface FP, the three side
surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3 extending from the front surface FP, and
the cover part CP may be made of a transparent material. The rear
surface RP may be made of a transparent material or an opaque
material.
Each of the front surface FP, the rear surface RP, the three side
surfaces SP1, Sp2, and SP3, and the cover part CP may be made of a
transparent material. On the other hand, the front surface FP and
the three side surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3 may be made of a material
having transmittance greater than that of the rear surface RP. The
rear surface RP may be made of an opaque material.
In FIG. 8C, the insertion space may be a space that is surrounded
by the front surface FP, the rear surface RP, and the second to
fourth side surfaces SP2, SP3, and SP4. The portable terminal cover
PC-2a of FIG. 8C may be the same as the portable terminal cover
PC-2 of FIGS. 8A and 8B except for the position of the cover part
CP-1. In the portable terminal cover PC-2a of FIG. 8C according to
an embodiment, the second to fourth side surfaces SP2, SP3, and SP4
may cover the second to fourth side surface display pars SDP2,
SDP3, and SDP4 of the portable terminal MD, respectively. The cover
part CP-1 may cover the first side surface display part SDP1 in the
first mode and expose the first side surface display part SDP1 in
the second mode.
In the electronic device DD-2 of FIG. 9B according to an
embodiment, the portable terminal cover PC-2 may be made of the
transparent material to transmit an image provided from the
portable terminal MD to the side surfaces SP1, SP2, and SP3 and the
front surface FP while protecting the portable terminal MD.
In the electronic device DD-2 according to an embodiment, the
portable terminal MD may operate in response to user's indirect
touch provided on the portable terminal cover PC-2.
Referring to FIG. 10, the portable terminal cover PC-2 may cover
the whole of the portable terminal MD. The portable terminal cover
PC-2 may cover a top surface display part TDP, the side surface
display parts SDP1 and SDP2, a bottom surface BDP of the portable
terminal MD.
FIGS. 11 to 13 are perspective views of a portable terminal cover
according to an embodiment. FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional
views of the portable terminal covers of FIGS. 11 and 13,
respectively. FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line
V-V' of FIG. 11, and FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along
line VI-VI' of FIG. 13.
In descriptions of portable terminal covers PC-3, PC-3a, and PC-3b
of FIGS. 11 to 14B according to an embodiment, description
duplicated with those of FIGS. 1 to 10 may be omitted, and thus,
their differences will be mainly described. For example, in the
portable terminal covers PC-3, PC-3a, and PC-3b according to an
embodiment, a front surface FP and side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and
SP4 may be the same as those of FIGS. 1 to 4B.
The portable terminal covers PC-3, PC-3a, and PC-3b of FIGS. 11 to
13 according to an embodiment may include a plurality of
transparent side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, a front surface
FP, and a rear surface RP.
The portable terminal cover PC-3 of FIG. 11 according to an
embodiment may include the first to fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2,
SP3, and SP4. Also, one side surface of the first to fourth side
surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may extend from one sides of the
front surface FP. The rear surface RP may face the front surface FP
that is disposed to cover the top surface display part TDP (see
FIG. 1). Referring to the portable terminal cover PC-3 of FIG. 11
according to an embodiment, the front surface FP may be connected
to the second side surface SP2 of the plurality of side surfaces
SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4.
Each of the plurality of side surface SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be
connected to one side of the rear surface RP. In the portable
terminal cover PC-3 of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment, the
first to fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may extend
from four side surfaces of the rear surface RP, respectively. The
first to fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and the rear
surface RP may have an integrated shape. Each of the first to
fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be bent from one
side of the rear surface RP. Each of the first to fourth side
surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be bent from the rear surface
RP in the direction of the third directional axis DR3. That is,
each of the first to fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4
may be bent in a direction of the front surface FP that covers the
top surface display part TDP (see FIG. 1). Each of the first to
fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may include a curved
surface that is curved in the direction of the third directional
axis DR3.
FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V' of FIG.
11. Referring to FIG. 14A, each of the side surfaces SP1 and SP2
may be bent from the rear surface RP in the direction of the third
directional axis DR3. That is, in an embodiment of FIGS. 11 and
14A, the second side surface SP2 may be maintained in the state
bent in the direction of the third directional axis DR3 even though
the front surface FP is opened.
FIG. 14A is a cross-sectional view of the portable terminal cover
PC-3 on a plane parallel to that defined by the first directional
axis DR1 and the third directional axis DR3. Although not shown, in
the cross-section of the portable terminal cover PC-3 on the plane
parallel to that defined by the second directional axis DR2 and the
third directional axis DR3, the side surfaces SP3 and SP4 may be
bent in the direction of the third direction axis DR3.
The portable terminal cover PC-3 of FIG. 11 according to an
embodiment provides an insertion space OS3 defined by the first to
fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and the rear surface
RP. The insertion space OS3 may be a portion that is surrounded by
the first to fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and the
rear surface RP. The portable terminal MD (see FIG. 1) may be
seated in the insertion space OS3. The portable terminal cover PC-3
may be provided so that the bottom surface BDP (see FIG. 1) of the
portable terminal MD (see FIG. 1) comes into contact with the rear
surface RP. The first to fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and
SP4 of the portable terminal cover PC-3 may cover the first to
fourth side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 of the
portable terminal MD, respectively.
Each of the first to fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4
covering the first to fourth side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2,
SDP3, and SDP4 may be made of a transparent material. In the
portable terminal cover PC-3 according to an embodiment, the rear
surface RP may be made of the same material as each of the first to
fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. That is, the rear
surface RP may be transparent. However, an embodiment of the
inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the rear
surface RP may be opaque, unlike the first to fourth side surfaces
SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4.
Although not shown, the rear surface RP of the portable terminal
cover PC-3 according to an embodiment may become the bottom surface
BDP (see FIG. 1) of the portable terminal MD (see FIG. 1). For
example, when the bottom surface BDP (see FIG. 1) of the portable
terminal MD (see FIG. 1) is detachable, the rear surface RP of the
portable terminal cover PC-3 may be used instead of the bottom
surface BDP (see FIG. 1) of the portable terminal MD (see FIG.
1).
For example, when the rear surface RP of the portable terminal
cover PC-3 is used instead of the bottom surface BDP (see FIG. 1)
of the portable terminal MD (see FIG. 1), the rear surface RP of
the portable terminal cover PC-3 may further include a coupling
part (not shown) coupled to the portable terminal MD (see FIG.
1).
In the portable terminal cover PC-3 according to an embodiment, the
plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, which are
adjacent to each other, may be spaced apart from each other. That
is, a connection part of the portable terminal cover PC-3 may be
omitted at a portion corresponding to the corner part CDP (see FIG.
1) of the portable terminal MD (see FIG. 1).
The front surface FP of the portable terminal cover PC-3 according
to an embodiment may be transparent. In an embodiment, the front
surface FP may be connected to one side surface of the plurality of
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. Although the front surface FP
is connected to the second side surface SP2 in FIG. 11, an
embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. The
front surface may be connected to the first side surface SP1, the
third side surface SP3, or the fourth side surface SP4.
In the portable terminal cover PC-3 according to an embodiment, the
plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, the rear surface
RP, and the front surface FP may be integrated with each other.
The front surface FP according to an embodiment may be opaque. In
the portable terminal cover PC-3 according to an embodiment, each
of the plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, the rear
surface RP, and the front surface FP may be opaque. Also, all of
the plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and the front
surface FP may be transparent, and the rear surface RP may be
opaque.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portable terminal cover PC-3a
according to another embodiment. The portable terminal cover PC-3a
of FIG. 12 according to an embodiment is different from the
portable terminal cover PC-3 of FIG. 11 in that the portable
terminal cover PC-3a further include a connection part EP. That is,
the portable terminal cover PC-3a according to an embodiment may
further include the connection part EP between the adjacent side
surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 of the plurality of side surfaces
SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The connection part EP may be a portion
that covers the corner part CDP (see FIG. 1) of the portable
terminal MD (see FIG. 1).
The connection part EP may be disposed between the adjacent side
surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and bent from the rear surface RP
in the direction of the third directional axis DR3. The plurality
of side surface SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, the rear surface RP, and
the connection part EP may have an integrated shape. The front
surface FP may be connected to one side surface of the plurality of
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 and also connected to a
portion of the connection part EP that is adjacent to the one side
surface.
Although the front surface FP is connected to the second side
surface SP2 and a portion of the connection part EP connected to
the second side surface SP2 in FIG. 12, an embodiment of the
inventive concept is not limited thereto.
The portable terminal cover PC-3a of FIG. 12 according to an
embodiment may include first to fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3,
and SP4, a rear surface RP connected to the first to fourth side
surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, and an insertion space OS4 defined
as a connection part EP disposed between the side surfaces SP1,
SP2, SP3, and SP4. The portable terminal MD (see FIG. 1) may be
seated in the insertion space OS4.
In the portable terminal cover PC-3a according to an embodiment,
all of the plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 may be
transparent, and the connection part EP disposed between the side
surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, which are adjacent to each other,
may be opaque. The opaque connection part EP may be made of a
material that is different from each of the plurality of
transparent side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The rear surface
RP may be opaque, and the opaque rear surface RP and the opaque
connection part EP may be made of the same material. Also, the
opaque rear surface RP and the opaque connection part EP may be
made of materials different from each other. Here, the connection
part EP may be made of a material having elasticity greater than
that of the rear surface RP.
In the portable terminal cover PC-3a of FIG. 12 according to an
embodiment, the front surface FP may include an auxiliary display
window WP. The auxiliary display window WP may pass through a
portion of the front surface FP. For example, the front surface FP
may be opaque, and the auxiliary display window WP may be opened to
expose a portion of the top surface display part TDP (see FIG. 1)
of the seated portable terminal MD (see FIG. 1).
Also, in other embodiments, the auxiliary display window WP may be
made of a transparent material. That is, the auxiliary display
window WP may be a portion that is disposed in a portion of the
opaque front surface FP and made of a transparent material.
Although the auxiliary display window WP has a rectangular shape in
FIG. 12, an embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited to
the shape of the auxiliary display window WP. The auxiliary display
window WP may have a circular shape, an oval shape, or a polygonal
shape. The auxiliary display window WP may have a surface area
greater than of the auxiliary display window WP illustrated in the
drawing. Also, although the front surface FP is covered, an image
provided on the top surface display part TDP (see FIG. 1) may be
provided to the user in a larger surface area.
The portable terminal cover PC-3b of FIG. 13 according to an
embodiment may include first to fourth side surfaces SP1, SP2-b,
SP3, and SP4, a rear surface RP connected to the first to fourth
side surfaces SP1, SP2-b, SP3, and SP4, and a front surface FP
connected to one side surface of the first to fourth side surfaces
SP1, SP2-b, SP3, and SP4. Although the portable terminal cover
PC-3b of FIG. 13 according to an embodiment includes the connection
part EP disposed between the adjacent side surfaces of the side
surfaces SP1, SP2-b, SP3, and SP4, the connection part EP according
to an embodiment may be omitted.
In FIG. 13, the front surface FP may be connected to the second
side surface SP2-b. The second side surface SP2-b may have one side
connected to the rear surface RP and the other surface connected to
the front surface FP. In the portable terminal cover PC-3b of FIG.
13 according to an embodiment, each of the first side surface SP1
and the third and fourth side surfaces SP3 and SP4 may extend from
the rear surface RP and be bent in the direction of the third
directional axis DR3. However, the second side surface SP2-b may be
bent in the direction of the third directional axis DR3, but be not
fixed. Thus, the second side surface SP2-b may be integrated with
the portion connected to the rear surface RP without being bent.
That is, the front surface FP may be connected to the other side of
the second side surface SP2-b on the whole. However, the front
surface FP may not be connected to the connection part EP adjacent
to the second side surface SP2-b.
FIG. 14B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI' of FIG.
13. The portable terminal cover PC-3b of FIG. 14B according to an
embodiment is different from the portable terminal cover PC-3 of
FIG. 14A according to an embodiment in that the second side surface
SP2-b is not fixed, but bent in the direction of the third
directional axis DR3 and thus be spread in a direction in which the
front surface FP is spread.
In the portable terminal cover PC-3b of FIGS. 13 and 14B according
to an embodiment, since the second side surface SP2-b has the same
spread structure as the front surface FP, the front surface FP may
be more easily opened and closed.
In the portable terminal cover PC-3a of FIGS. 11 and 14A according
to an embodiment, the second side surface SP2 is bent in the
direction of the third directional axis DR3 and fixed even though
the front surface FP is opened, the portable terminal cover PC-3a
may protect the portable terminal MD (see FIG. 1) and the second
side surface display part SDP2 in the state in which the front
surface FP is opened.
FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate an example of an electronic device
DD-3 including a portable terminal cover PC-3b of FIGS. 13 and 14B
according to an embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, a
display device DD-3 according to an embodiment includes a portable
terminal MD including the top surface display part TDP (see FIG. 1)
and at least four side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and
SDP4 and a portable terminal cover PC-3b covering the portable
terminal MD.
The side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 of the portable terminal
cover PC-3b may cover the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2,
SDP3, and SDP4, and the front surface FP of the portable terminal
cover PC-3b may cover the top surface display part TDP. FIG. 15A
illustrates a state in which the front surface FP is opened to
expose the top surface display part TDP (see FIG. 1). FIG. 15B
illustrates a case in which the front surface FP covers the top
surface display part TDP (see FIG. 1). In the electronic device
DD-3 of FIGS. 15A and 15B according to an embodiment, all of the
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 of the portable terminal cover
PC-3b may be transparent. Also, the front surface FP may be
transparent. A rear surface RP and a connection part EP of the
portable terminal cover PC-3b may be opaque.
Thus, in the electronic device DD-3 of FIGS. 15A and 15B according
to an embodiment, the four side surface display parts may be
provided to provide an image to a top surface and side surfaces. In
addition, the portable terminal cover including the transparent
side surfaces may be provided to protect the side surface display
parts and also allow the user to recognize the image provided on
the side surface display parts.
Although the front surface FP is transparent, and the rear surface
RP is opaque in FIGS. 15A and 15B, an embodiment of the inventive
concept is not limited thereto. For example, all of the front
surface FP and the rear surface RP may be opaque, or all of the
front surface FP and the rear surface RP may be transparent.
FIGS. 16A and 16B are views of a portable terminal cover PC-4
according to an embodiment. The portable terminal cover PC-4
according to an embodiment may include a plurality of transparent
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, a rear surface FP connected
to the plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, and a
front surface FP connected to one side surface of the plurality of
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The front surface FP of FIGS.
16A and 16B according to an embodiment may be connected to one side
of the fourth side surface SP4.
FIG. 16B is a side view illustrating a state in which a portion of
the front surface FP is opened in the portable terminal cover PC-4
of FIG. 16A according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 16B, when
the front surface FP is completely opened, the front surface FP may
be spread in a direction of a fifth directional axis DR5 parallel
to the extending direction of the first side surface SP1.
Although the front surface FP is connected to the second side
surface SP2 in FIGS. 11 to 13, and the front surface FP is
connected to the fourth side surface SP4 in FIG. 16A, an embodiment
of the inventive concept is not limited thereto. For example, the
front surface FP according to an embodiment may be connected to the
first side surface SP1 or the third side surface SP3.
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a portable terminal cover PC-5
according to an embodiment. FIGS. 18A and 18B are perspective views
of an electronic device DD-4 including the portable terminal cover
PC-5 according to an embodiment. FIG. 18A is a perspective view
illustrating a state in which a top surface of the electronic
device DD-4 is mainly seen according to an embodiment, and FIG. 18B
is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a bottom
surface of the electronic device DD-4 is mainly seen according to
an embodiment.
Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19B, the portable terminal cover PC-5
according to an embodiment may include a plurality of transparent
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4, a front surface FP connected
to one side surface of the plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2,
SP3, and SP4, and a rear surface RP-5 connected to the plurality of
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. Also, the portable terminal
cover PC-5 according to an embodiment may further include a
connection part EP-5 between the adjacent side surfaces of the
plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4. The plurality of
side surfaces SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 of the portable terminal cover
PC-5 according to an embodiment may cover the side surface display
parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 of the portable terminal, and the
front surface FP may cover the top surface display part TDP. All of
the front surface FP and the plurality of side surfaces SP1, SP2,
SP3, and SP4 may be transparent.
Referring to FIG. 18A, in the portable terminal cover PC-5
according to an embodiment, the connection part EP-5 may include a
light emitting device LP. Also, referring to FIG. 18B, in the
portable terminal cover PC-5 according to an embodiment, the rear
surface RP-5 may include rear light emitting devices BLP and
BLP-L.
The light emitting device LP may emit light having a single color.
For example, the light emitting device LP may emit light having a
color senor similar to that of an image provided on each of the
side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4, which are
adjacent to each other, to realize the unity of the image provided
from the portable terminal MD. The light emitted from the light
emitting device LP may be controlled by the portable terminal MD.
In the electronic device DD-4 according to another embodiment, the
light emitting device LP may be electrically connected to the
portable terminal MD. That is, the light emitting device LP of the
connection part EP-5 may be controlled by receiving a signal
provided from the portable terminal MD.
The rear light emitting device BLP and BLP-L may be provided in the
rear surface RP-5. The rear light emitting device BLP and BLP-L may
emit light having a single color or light having colors different
from each other. For example, the rear light emitting devices BLP
and BLP-L may emit light having a color senor similar to that of an
image provided on each of the side surface display parts SDP1,
SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4, which are adjacent to each other, to realize
the unity of the image provided from the portable terminal MD.
Also, the rear light emitting devices BLP and BLP-L may be
controlled to display symbols, characters, colors, and the like,
which are preferred or selected by the user. In the electronic
device DD-4 according to another embodiment, the rear light
emitting devices BLP and BLP-L may be electrically connected to the
portable terminal MD. That is, the rear light emitting devices BLP
and BLP-L of the rear surface may be controlled by receiving a
signal provided from the portable terminal MD.
Also, the light emitting device LP and the rear light emitting
devices BLP and BLP-L may perform a function of the display part
that provides an image. The light emitting device LP may be
disposed in the portable terminal MD to provide an image connected
to the image provided on each of the side surface display parts
SDP1, SDP2, SDP3, and SDP4 and thereby to realize the unity of the
image provided on the side surface display parts SDP1, SDP2, SDP3,
and SDP4. The rear light emitting device BLP and BLP-L may perform
a function of the display part that provides various images
according to user's selection.
In the electronic device DD-4 according to an embodiment, the light
emitting device LP and the rear light emitting devices BLP and
BLP-L may further include a control unit that is electrically
connected to the portable terminal MD and then controlled by the
portable terminal MD to provide an image.
In the portable terminal cover PC-5 of FIGS. 17 to 18B and the
electronic device DD-4 including the portable terminal cover PC-5
according to an embodiment, the light emitting device LP and the
rear light emitting devices BLP and BLP-L provided in the portable
terminal cover PC-5 may emit light or display an image on a corner
part CDP and a bottom surface of the portable terminal, on which an
image is not provided, to allow the electronic device DD-4 to
perform various display functions.
In FIG. 18A, the light emitting device LP provided in the
connection part EP-5 may realize the same color as that displayed
on the side surface display parts SDP1 and SDP4 and the top surface
display part TDP so that the image provided on the display device
DD-4 has a sense of unity as the whole. In FIG. 18A, the images
displayed on the light emitting devices LP of the top surface
display part TDP, the side display parts, and the connection part
EP-5 except for a main image MIM displayed on the top surface
display part TDP may be controlled to have similar color senses to
more practically display the main image MIM.
FIG. 18B is a schematic view illustrating the bottom surface of the
electronic device DD-4. That is, FIG. 18B illustrates an example in
which the rear light emitting device BLP and BLP-L are controlled
to realize an image. In FIG. 18B, the "rear light emitting device
BLP-L" of the rear light emitting devices BLP and BLP-L may be a
device emitting light, and the "rear light emitting device BLP" may
be a light emitting device that does not operate. Although the
character "s" is displayed as an example in FIG. 18B, the
electronic device DD-4 according to an embodiment may display
various characters, symbols, images, and the like on the bottom
surface by using the rear light emitting devices BLP and BLP-L.
The portable terminal cover according to an embodiment may include
the transparent side surfaces to provide an image provided on the
side surface display part to the user while protecting the side
surface display parts of the portable terminal including the side
surface display parts. Also, the electronic device according to an
embodiment may include the at least four side surface display parts
to display in various directions, thereby providing various
information to the user. In addition, the electronic device may
include the portable terminal cover including the transparent side
surfaces that transmit the image provided on the side surface
display parts to effectively protect the portable terminal.
The portable terminal cover according to the embodiment may include
the transparent side surfaces to transmit the image provided on the
side surface display parts of the portable terminal to the user in
the state in which the cover is provided.
The electronic device according to the embodiment may include the
portable terminal including the plurality of side surface display
parts and the portable terminal cover including the transparent
side surfaces covering the side surface display parts to provide
the image in the various directions while protecting the portable
terminal.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the inventive concept.
Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers the
modifications and variations of this invention provided they come
within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Hence, the real protective scope of the inventive concept shall be
determined by the technical scope of the accompanying claims.
* * * * *